Latest news: Student cost of living increases

New study reveals the widening gulf between the cost of student living and state support. 06/10/2011

The National Union of Students has reported that outside of London, the gap between students’ financial incomings and outgoings was a massive £8,037. This is a 10% increase on the 2010-11 shortfall, which was around £7,300.

In 2011-12, the average cost of living for a non-London student is £16,279, with the average income from government-funded loans and grants amounting to £8,242.

The results for those living and studying in the capital are not much better, with students having to deal with a shortfall of £7,548.

‘Not enough of the student support in the higher education system is getting into the pockets of students and there is a real danger that the situation is getting worse… there has been a shocking leap in the gap between government funding and the cost of being a student,’ said NUS president, Liam Burns.

Students without family support would have to work full time or acquire huge debts to pay for their university education. The survey coincided with the NUS launch of the Student Financial Support Commission, an in-depth study on the financial costs students face and the support available.

‘Of course tuition fees are a major disincentive for many students but it is the support funds available at university that define its affordability and whether or not many can last the course. When this commission reports we will have some clear recommendations for the government that they must listen to if we are to avoid rising numbers of students being unable to afford to study,’ added Liam.